Teen stabbed near Crompton Park in Worcester; 17-year-old arrested

WORCESTER - A 16-year-old boy was stabbed, and another teenager was arrested after a fight broke out on Endicott Street Monday afternoon.

Police said the victim, stabbed in the lower back, was taken by ambulance, with a police officer driving, to a local hospital, where he was rushed into emergency surgery. Police said Monday night he was in critical condition when he arrived, but later his condition was stabilized.

According to police, witnesses told police that four people - three males and a female - were in a small sport utility vehicle parked near Endicott and Harding streets, near Crompton Park, at 5:11 p.m. The victim was arguing with one of the passengers; a fight erupted, and the victim was stabbed.

Two police officers on routine patrol came upon a large group of people at the corner, and as they approached they saw two males run toward the small SUV and quickly drive away. The officers found the victim suffering from a serious stab wound to the lower back, bleeding heavily. One of the officers gave first aid before emergency medical personnel arrived.

Police, including crime scene officers and detectives, converged on Endicott Street. Police said there were numerous witnesses to the stabbing, which occurred while many people were still enjoying the park.

Police broadcast a description of the SUV, which was quickly spotted on Vernon Street and eventually stopped on Dillon Street. Witnesses identified one of the occupants as the person who had stabbed the victim. He was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and armed assault with intent to murder. Another 17-year-old occupant of the SUV was arrested on an outstanding warrant. The other two people in the SUV were not arrested but were taken to police headquarters for questioning, according to police. The SUV was towed to police headquarters and secured while investigators sought a search warrant for the vehicle.